Top Sports Executive Alfrancis Chua Launches New Initiative to Elevate Filipino High School Basketball Talent

Top sports executive Alfrancis Chua has been a steadfast supporter of Filipino student-athletes, guiding many on their journey to professional ranks.

Al Francis Chua NGBL

As the Executive Committee Chairman of the Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL), Chua previously helped Colegio de San Juan de Letran secure a three-peat in the NCAA and is now aiding his alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas, in reclaiming their glory in the UAAP.

Now, as the Sports Director of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Team Governor, and newly elected Vice Chairman of the PBA Board, Chua is extending his support even further by focusing on the top high school players in the country.

“We want to expose them,” said Chua, who collaborates with NGBL Commissioner and PBA legend Ronnie Magsanoc, Tournament Director LA Tenorio of Ginebra, Program Director Bonnie Tan of NorthPort, and Operations Manager & PBA Chief Statistician Fidel Mangonon III.

The NGBL, led by President Bigboy Cheng and Finance Head Eric Ang, aims to provide the Philippines’ best under-19 players a platform to showcase their skills. This vision is passionately shared and promoted by Chua and the executive committee.

“We want people to see our high school players, so they can explore what we have,” Chua explained. “Many colleges recruit players from other countries. We want to develop homegrown talent right here.”

Beyond giving top high school players and their teams a platform beyond established leagues, Chua's goal is for them to transition into the next collegiate and professional stars.

“We’re very excited to see who will play in the UAAP, NCAA, and eventually the PBA. We’re eager to promote these players,” emphasized Chua. “We will make these players shine.”

The NGBL, sponsored by URATEX, KNC Group, World Balance, Converge (official internet provider), Verleo Catering, Tanduay Athletics, Gatorade, Molten (official game ball), Team Rebel Sports Pilipinas (official league outfitter), Summit Natural Drinking Water, and RICA UPVC Aluminum Glass and Trading Corp, will kick off on August 11 at the Tanduay Gym.

All Sunday and holiday games will be held at the Tanduay Gym, while Saturday matchups will be at the Aero Center in Quezon City.

The 15 teams in the inaugural tournament will be divided into two groups, each playing a single round-robin elimination. The top 4 teams per group will advance to the crossover knockout quarterfinals. The semifinals and final will also be knockout games, with the champion team receiving a Php 300,000 cash prize.

Competing teams include UST, Ateneo de Manila University, Far Eastern University, National University, University of the East, Xavier School, and MGC New Life Christian Academy. Completing the lineup are Letran, San Beda University, La Salle Greenhills, Mapua University, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Arellano University, Jose Rizal University, and Lyceum of the Philippines University.